The Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM are two new super telephoto lenses that offer incredible focusing speeds.
Optically identical to the EF versions, the RF 400mm and 600mm both feature a double power drive method that helps you keep track of action, even when shooting at 30fps with the equally new EOS R3 camera.
The new RF lenses are about 40g heavier than the EF versions but offer faster autofocusing, full-time manual focus and an improved 5.5-stops of OIS.
The Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM is priced at £12,449 / €14,179 and the RF 600mm F4L IS USM will cost £13,409 / €15,269.
The RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM join its extensive range of optically excellent, and industry leading, RF lenses built for Canon’s EOS R System – a System designed to future proof and give unparalleled capabilities for the photographers of today and tomorrow. Ideal for professional wildlife and sports photographers, these super telephoto lenses are the first in the RF line-up to feature a double power drive method, enabling cameras to focus faster than ever before, helping professionals keep track of action – even when shooting at 30fps.
The RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM are based, respectively, on the ground-breaking EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L III USM – two much-loved super telephoto lenses for professional sports and wildlife photographers. While the optics and mechanics of the lenses are largely the same as the EF versions, the capabilities of these super telephoto lenses are next level, as they take full advantage of Canon’s revolutionary EOS R System and RF Mount.
Professionals using the lenses will enjoy incredible focal lengths – even more so when used with the 1.4x and 2x RF extenders – ultra-high optical performance, speedy focusing, reduced weight, and improved balance when using with a Canon EOS R System camera.
The RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM boast the stand-out features of Canon’s RF lenses, such as 1/8th stop aperture control for video, and enhanced optical IS, a feature enabled by the RF Mount communication system, providing 5.5 stops . In addition to this, the lenses support a double power drive method for faster AF with future bodies. As a result, professionals can shoot far away, fast moving action which would be over in a matter of milliseconds. Both lenses also feature three manual-focus speeds, for precise control and full-time manual focus – allowing adjustments to be made without switching modes. What’s more, professionals can store two focus pre-sets for quick recall – saving time when they need to react fast and enabling them to pull focus when shooting video. The focus ring can also be used as a control ring with some EOS R series bodies.
Thanks to the use of Fluorite and Super UD glass plus ASC and Super Spectra coatings, even at its maximum f/2.8 aperture, the RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM offers exceptional sharpness right across the frame. The RF 600mm F4L IS USM shares this same benefit of minimised distortion and flare – even at the lens’ f/4 max aperture – ensuring professional images are of the highest quality edge-to-edge. Operating confidently in low-light conditions, the RF 600mm F4L IS USM, thanks to its large f/4 aperture, and the RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM with its f/2.8 aperture, both support 5.5-stops of image stabilisation – reducing camera shake, even in dimly lit conditions, making them perfect for professionals to achieve the winning shot, whatever the conditions.
Built to inspire confidence, both lenses are lightweight and can withstand the rigors of professional use. Whether photographers are on a rainy touchline or a dusty safari, the lenses stand up to the test with their legendary L-series build quality and heat-reflecting white finish.
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